Manchester United are in the market for a new centre-back or two, and one of the names linked with a big move to Old Trafford is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
After emerging as one of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League this season, Everton expect bigger to come knocking on the door for his signature.
United likely being one of them.
According to a report by Sky Sports News, Everton value Branthwaite in the region of £60million-£70m’ ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
United are in dire need of improved centre-backs and Raphael Varane has already announced his departure with his contract set to expire.
Branthwaite has been excellent for Everton this season, playing a starring role in their successful battle against relegation.
It remains to be seen whether Man City or Real Madrid will make a move for Branthwaite this summer as both clubs have been linked with a move in recent months.
Cut price deal reportedly elsewhere
One headline this morning suggested United were eyeing a cut-price £40m swoop for Branthwaite. The Daily Mail suggested Sir Jim Ratcliffe was ‘ready to take advantage of the Toffees’ financial woes’.
That seems very cheap even for a fire-sale purchase of a player of Branthwaite’s quality and age.
I’m not sure where The Mail got their £40m valuation from but it’s considerably less than the £60m-£70m reported by Sky Sports.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
